Bill Melton, the former White Sox third baseman and pre- and post-game host, passed away early this morning in Phoenix after a brief illness. He was 79 years old.

Melton became the first White Sox player to surpass 30 home runs in a season in 1970 when he launched 30 round trippers.  He replicated that effort the following year, becoming the first south sider to lead the league.  After a back injury in 1972, Melton worked to get back, but felt snubbed, first by his omission from the All Star team in 1973 and then by the 1974 acquisition of future-Hall of Famer Ron Santo.  A feud with broadcaster Harry Caray sealed his fate in Chicago and, after the 1975 season, he was traded to the Angels.  His 154 home runs still ranks ninth in franchise history.

Melton returned to the White Sox family in 1992 as a community relations representative.  He joined WGN in 1998 as an analyst for pre- and post-game shows.  In 2005, he moved over to Comcast SportsNet, performing the same role.  He retired in 2020.